Hingis to come back three years after her retirement

Martina Hingis, the youngest world No 1 in tennis history, is preparing to make a comeback at the age of 25. "I was never happy that injuries cut my career short and ultimately forced my decision to step away from tennis," Hingis said in a statement yesterday.

"I have enjoyed my time away from the court, but I miss the game and the challenge of competing at the highest level," she added.

Hingis, who retired at the age of 22 in 2002, returned to the WTA Tour in February to play one match for charity in Thailand. After losing to Marlene Weingartner, of Germany, Hingis said she would only play exhibition matches in future.

Yesterday her agent, Phil de Picciotto, said: "Martina had just turned 22 when injuries forced her to stop. Nowshe is looking forward to playing a competitive schedule of events."

At 16, Hingis became the youngest world No 1 and the second youngest Wimbledon women's singles champion after Lottie Dod in 1887. Hingis won five Grand Slam singles titles and £10m in prize-money.